Researchers have identified a new process that can reduce the need for full genome sequencing to identify patients who may have Lynch syndrome, according to a news release by Intermountain Healthcare.
Mutations in these genes are associated with a substantially increased risk of developing colon, uterine, pancreatic and urologic cancers.
A research team at Intermountain created a system for screening colon cancer patients using existing tests to keep costs down but still ensure accurate results. Of 272 colon cancer patients screened according to the team's system, only 11 were identified as needing the expensive genome sequencing test.
Read the Intermountain Healthcare release on gene sequencing of colon cancer patients.
Related Articles on Lynch Syndrome Testing:
Study: Significantly More Genetic Mutations Linked to Colon Cancer
Study: Lynch Syndrome Screening New Colon Cancer Patients Cost-Effective
New Mayo Clinic Screening Procedure Could Boost Lynch Syndrome Testing